Ho‘okipa Snorkeling Death is Maui’s 20th Water Fatality in 2018

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A 67-year-old Michigan woman was pulled unresponsive from waters off of Hoʻokipa Beach Park on Wednesday afternoon.

At around 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 23, 2018, a lifeguard noticed the woman snorkeling about 150 yards from shore and having difficulty getting back to the beach. Authorities say the lifeguard swam out to assist, but when he reached her, she was unresponsive.

The woman was pulled to shore where CPR was initiated. Paramedics and firefighters from Pāʻia arrived to continue lifesaving measures; however, despite all efforts the woman could not be revived and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Maui Fire Services Chief Edward Taomoto said the woman was using a traditional two-piece mask and snorkel. She was vacationing on Maui and had been snorkeling with another woman, but was by herself when lifeguards noticed her in distress.

The incident marks the 20th water related fatality in Maui County this year, and the second this week.

Earlier this week, a 61-year-old visitor from Escondido, California, was pulled unresponsive from waters off of Lānaʻi on Tuesday afternoon, May 22, 2018. The man had been swimming at Hulopoʻe Beach as part of a tour group from Maui that was visiting the island.